Follow the Lamb - 21 Day Study on the Book of Revelationနမူနာ

Day 13: Divine Judgements or Disciplines?

Scripture Reading:

‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

- Matthew 28.19-20 (NRSV)

Father, Son and Spirit have been in a relationship of pure love for all eternity. It is out of this relationship that God created humankind. This is a bit like a couple who have so much love that they decide to create a whole new person to pour their love into, have a baby, and now there are three people loving each other. Love is always able to expand and there is always enough for new family members. So with God, God’s love pours out to each and every person who has ever existed. You may have read the book The Shack, or seen the movie. The running joke is that every time a new person is mentioned, God says, ‘Oh, I’m especially fond of that one!’ As the cliché goes, it’s funny because it’s true. Since creation, since God promised Abraham that he was to be the father of many nations, God has intended good for each of us on this planet, irrespective of race, gender, intelligence, personality type, or political affinity. God has always been the ultimate inclusive, equal-opportunity boss way before it was cool. On Pentecost, we hear of people of all nations and languages able to understand the Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit, and a direct result of Jesus’ followers being filled with the Holy Spirit was to give them the passion and the courage to take the Gospel throughout the known world.

When we look at the tribulations in the Revelation, we see the same unrelenting love of God. The judgement of God is necessary to rid the world of evil so that the Kingdom of God can be a place of unadulterated love, joy, and peace. But God is always true to Himself. God continues to offer forgiveness to welcome anyone who will enter into fellowship with him. Until the last, God sends signs of the need to repent. Like Peter Pan’s parents, he leaves the light on and the window open. It is only when everyone has heard the Gospel message and been given every opportunity of turning from evil that, sadly, some actively choose evil over good, choose to separate themselves from God and to align themselves with Satan. We are not to be fearful, for we are given many second chances; as an old car sticker I once had said, 'You can always do a U-turn to God'. Revelation shows us God's compassion, God's longing to have all his chickens home in the nest, and we may rest assured that all will be given the opportunity for salvation.

Some things to think about:

1. Have you made a commitment to follow Jesus? What was that experience like?
2. Why do you think some people don’t want to talk about God?
3. What is something you believe the Holy Spirit is calling you to do today?

Prayer:

Holy God, I thank you that you will bring justice to the world. I thank you that you extend mercy to all. I pray for the courage to follow Jesus’ teaching in my life today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.